a near-perfect revival of my favorite show.
i loved the ending, i loved the sets simplicity but creativity. i loved the music and the voices.
i wish this wasnt in such a barn of a theater- intimacy would really elevate this. we were in super expensive mid-mezzanine seats that felt miles away (though i thought the sound tonight was totally fine).
the only full live production of this i had ever seen was the 2005 revival, so to see this come to full life was a treat. and while Parade was the worthy champion this year, and while i had a blast at ITW, to see a revival fully staged with a full ensemble and orchestra... BRAH-VO.
Groban and Ashford are Groban-ing and Ashford-ing for better or worse. What I mean by that is that Groban is horribly miscast, even though he sings so beautifully and gets the audience roaring, and Im not minimizing either of those feats. But he's ultimately so lovable and familiar to us, that the effort to seem maniacal does not seem effortless at all. And yet hes the reason for this revival's production, and sings like a dream, so its all well worth it. Ashford also sings beautifully--not enough appreciation for her crystal clear, beautiful vocals-- and is PERFECTLY cast in this role. But she leans so so hard into her shtick, and oversexualizes moments for laughs, that i found myself rolling my eyes. Still, a small price to pay, and again, she had a packed house roaring.
Gaten was out, his understudy sounded lovely in Act 2 but was hard to hear in Act 1. I assume Gaten enunciates and projects better. Daniel Yearwood and Maria Bilbao are lovely and do their best with the snoozier songs in the show. Ruthie Ann Miles is giving a truly award-worthy performance, committed and heartbreaking and authentic from the jump. Unreal. My first time seeing her live. Another standout: Nicholas Christopher's Pirelli. Do we have dates when Groban is on vacation? Because thats a reason to return.
Would be thrilled if post-Groban/Ashford they give others a chance to keep it going for a bit, though I know thats unlikely.
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